Business and Technology Journalist

The CEO of a not-for-profit organisation striving to improve services for Queensland’s most vulnerable people has been named as the 2014 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year.

Presenter Kate McKenzie, Telstra Chief Operations Officer and Telstra Business Women’s Awards Ambassador, described Ms Cross as an incredible business woman with a unique leadership and vision.

They embody what it means to be a Telstra Business Woman’s Award winner, courageous; confident and innovative.

- Kate McKenzie, Telstra

“Anne has implemented a huge change program that has transformed what was a distressed and multi-faceted UnitingCare Queensland. She has been responsible for significant structural reform, while being articulate and values-driven in a business that is the largest non-government employer in Queensland.”

Other winners include Business Owner Award winner Captain Jan Becker, CEO of international helicopter training and air transport operations business Becker Helicopter Services, and RAAF Squadron Leader and pilot Samantha Freebairn, who won the Business Innovation Award for developing a scheme to attract, retain and support women as military pilots.

“I am confident that the 2014 Queensland winners will continue to inspire the next generation,” says Ms McKenzie.

“They embody what it means to be a Telstra Business Woman’s Award winner, courageous; confident and innovative.”

Congratulations to all the winners of the 2014 Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Awards:

2014 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year

Anne Cross, UnitingCare Queensland, Brisbane

Business Owner Award

Captain Jan Becker, Becker Helicopter Services Pty Ltd, Marcoola

Private and Corporate Sector Award

Elizabeth Harper, GHD, Brisbane

Community and Government Award

Anne Cross, UnitingCare Queensland, Brisbane

Business Innovation Award

Squadron Leader Samantha Freebairn, Royal Australian Air Force, Amberley

Young Business Women’s Award

Skye Anderton, Ruby Olive Jewellery, Brisbane

National Awards Announcement

The Queensland winners proceed to the national finals in Melbourne on 26 November. For finalists and winners across Australia the awards offer a share in $650,000 in cash and prizes.

Be inspired by incredible Australian business women.

For more information on the Telstra Business Women’s Awards click here.